Is NASA really testing the Heat Shield Materials?

Putting two astronauts out at the end of the extention on the boom and
having them move around is a test. Models aren't accurate, now they are
calibrated. They were off over 100% in their models.

Doing tile and RCC repair test in the Payload Bay seems is fine and dandy,
but how do the material and techniques hold up under an actual rentry?
Are the models accurate? Do some repair tests to the last tile at the aft
end of the body flag. Calibrate the models. Do bubbles in the goop help or
hurt? Do the fastners hold up? Stick a piece of RCC back there and repair
it.

Has anybody heard if NASA is going to actually test the repair techiques
and materials?

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Craig Fink
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